Prunus serotina var eximia (Escarpment Black Cherry)
Escarpment Black Cherry is a distinct and isolated geographic variety of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) found only in the calcareous soils of central Texas. Like the other varieties, it is prized for its attractive trunk and branches, showy spring blooms and summer fruits, and vivid yellow fall foliage. It is found primarily in wooded Hill Country canyons, slopes, and floodplains, in association with Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei), Escarpment Live Oak (Quercus fusiformis), Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), Post Oak (Quercus stellata), and other woody plants.
Escarpment Black Cherry is a medium sized tree with oblong, glossy leaves that have finely serrated margins. Flowers are followed by pea-sized, purple-black to red-black cherries.
Escarpment Black Cherry is easy to grow but does best in full sun. Prefers moister sites and more of a mineral, well-draining soil. Though the cherries are edible, the rest of the plant is poisonous if eaten, including the seeds. Wildlife eat the fruits.
AT A GLANCE
| Texas native | Yes |
| Water use | Low, medium |
| Sun exposure | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom color | White |
| Bloom time | Spring |
| Mature height | 40-50 ft |
| Mature spread | 30-40 ft |
| Attracts | Butterflies, birds, small mammals, nectar insects, moths, bees. |
| Host plant | Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Viceroys, Columbia Silkmoth, Promethea Moths, Small-eyed Sphinx Moth, Wild Cherry Sphinx Moth, Banded Tussock Moth, and Spotted Apatelodes. |
| Poisonous | Yes, though the cherries are edible, the rest of the plant is poisonous if eaten, including the seeds. |
| Edible | Yes, fruit. |
| Notes | A showy tree with handsome trunk and branches, attractive foliage, especially in fall, and ornamental blooms and fruit. Easy to grow. |
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
BONAP MAP
 Present in state |
 Present in county and native |
 Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state |
 Not present in state |
 Present and rare, native in county |
 Previously present, now extinct |
 Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color) |
